The Lafayette and USS Essex were two riverboats that were converted into ironclad gunboats and played important roles during the American Civil War as part of the Union fleet on the Mississippi River. These vessels were crucial in the Union's strategy to control the Mississippi River and its tributaries, which ultimately led to the division and defeat of the Confederacy.
Lafayette: Originally a river steamer, the Lafayette was converted into an ironclad gunboat and became a key part of the Union fleet on the Mississippi River. On April 16, 1863, she was among the first ships to run past the shore batteries at Vicksburg. Despite being hampered by another ship lashed to her side and receiving nine effective shots through her casemate, the Lafayette survived the encounter. The successful passage of the Union squadron past the heavy batteries at Vicksburg contributed to the early seizure of Grand Gulf, the eventual fall of Vicksburg, and ultimately the Union conquest of the Mississippi River. The Lafayette survived the war and was sold at auction in 1866. USS Essex: Originally named the New Era, this center-wheel steamer was built in St. Louis in 1856. The US government purchased the vessel in 1861 for $20,000 and renamed it the USS Essex. James B. Eads, the builder of the USS Cairo, carried out the conversion to an ironclad. The Essex took part in the attack on Fort Henry in 1862 but was forced out of action due to damage to her boilers. After reinforcing the forward part of the ship it became the strong vessel in the fleet.
The open road stretched before us, beckoning us to embark on a journey of discovery and adventure. We set out from Vicksburg, Mississippi, the historic town known for its charm and Southern hospitality. Our first stop was the Corners Mansion Inn, a grand old mansion where we spent the night in luxury and indulgence.
The following day, we ventured to the Levee Street Marketplace, a vibrant hub of local culture and commerce. We strolled among the stalls, admiring the handcrafted goods and sampling the delicious fare of the Deep South. From there, we continued to the Vicksburg National Military Park, where we explored the hallowed grounds and learned about the history of the Civil War.
Our journey then took us to Rolling Fork, Mississippi, where we visited the Visitors Center & Museum and discovered the rich heritage of the Mississippi Delta. We also stopped at Mont Helena, a beautiful plantation home with a stunning view of the surrounding landscape.
As we made our way to Clarksdale, Mississippi, we drove along the Blues Crossroads Highways 61 and 49, taking in the sights and sounds of the region that gave birth to the blues. At the Delta Blues Museum, we were immersed in the area's musical history, learning about the legends who paved the way for modern music.
Our final stop was at the iconic Hollywood Cafe in Hollywood, Mississippi, where we savoured the flavours of classic Southern cuisine and basked in the ambience of a bygone era.
As we left Clarksdale, the sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the rolling hills of the Mississippi Delta. We hopped back in our car and made our way towards Tunica, eager to take in the natural beauty of the Mississippi River at sunset. The Tunica River Park did not disappoint - the tranquil waters were bathed in a golden light, and we spent a few blissful moments just taking in the scenery. As the sky turned from gold to pink to purple, we realised we were hungry and decided to head towards our final destination for the night, the Hilton Garden Inn Memphis East Germantown. The drive took us through some charming small towns, and we chatted happily about the memories we had made that day. Finally, we arrived at the hotel and were delighted to find a cosy room waiting for us, complete with all the amenities we needed to make our stay comfortable. We couldn't wait to explore Germantown and see what adventures the next day would bring.